A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a three-month-old baby boy who ingested ecstasy at his home in Aberdeenshire is set to commence this week. Little Olly-James Sievewright died on December 22, 2019, after being exposed to the party drug at his residence in Sandhaven. The infant later passed away in hospital due to the effects of the drug and a concurrent infection.
Inquiry Details
The FAI will take place at Peterhead Sheriff Court on June 11, with a further hearing scheduled for September 30. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial and aim to establish facts rather than assign blame. This inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding Olly-James' death and the adequacy of care provided by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire social work department to both Amy Beck and her son.
Official Statement
Andy Shanks of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland's death investigation authority, stated: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Olly-James Sievewright occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff. Olly-James' family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."
Background on Amy Beck
Olly-James' mother, Amy Beck, from Fraserburgh, was sentenced to seven years in prison in April 2024 after being found guilty of exposing her newborn to illicit substances, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, and further charges of exposing children to drugs. However, her sentence was reduced from seven years to four on appeal at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh, with appeal judges deeming the original sentence "excessive."
Lord Matthews, delivering the court's judgment, said: "We have come to the conclusion, in all the circumstances, it can properly be said the sentence was excessive." The appeal judges noted that although Beck was involved in drug supply for nearly three years, she did not intend to harm children or cause her infant son's death. They described it as a tragic case highlighting how the abuse of controlled drugs can have consequences far beyond the obvious.
